U.S. troops stationed all over the world befriend local animals as a way to help cope with the emotional hardships they endure every day while deployed far away from home. Often called military mascots or patriot pets, the mental health benefits these beloved animals give our troops is undeniable.
SPCA International has firsthand experience with the benefits these befriended animals provide to our troops in the field. These important animals not only help our heroes cope while stationed outside the U.S., but they also help them readjust to life back home.
During the Iraq War, SPCA International started a program called “Operation Baghdad Pups” which continues to help reunite beloved pets with their service men and women back in the U.S.
As our Veterans Administration struggles to handle the overwhelming number of veterans in need of medical treatment for both physical and mental illness, why not seek help from the animals living near U.S. military stations around the world?